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Bid to open Crossfit gym in empty Burnley units

VACANT industrial units in Burnley could be converted to a Crossfit gym, if planners agree.

Barrow man Michael Rawson has lodged plans with the council that would see Ashley Street Works, in Cavour Street, turned into a ‘specialist fitness class-based gym’ not currently available in the area, documents show.

In a planning statement, town planning consultancy firm Inspire Planning Solutions said the building was constructed in 2012, and has remained vacant since.

The Nelson firm wrote: “Permission was granted for the building for a new workshop and offices. The building has not been occupied since its construction.”

Whereas a traditional gym is open throughout the day for people to exercise as they choose, Crossfit gyms are based around a series of classes, with between 12 and 16 people, and one to two trainers. Classes last around one hour, and are highly intense.

Inspire Planning Solutions added: “The layout of the gym is different to that of a traditional mainstream gym.

“There are few heavy machines and weights and, instead, a large open-plan area is essential to undertake class-based activities.”

The application will be considered by planning officers at Burnley Council.